Two samples of accident data, a “fatal” sample and a sample of the full-range of force patterns associated with both injuries and fatalities in automobile accidents, are studied. The rela¬tionship between area impacts (corner, side, front, rollover) and the occurrence of front doors opening is examined. The frequency of front doors opening and of occupant ejection through these opened doors, as well as the effect of ejection on the risk of injury, are studied.nIt is found that;(1) the opening of front doors in accidents is a common occurrence, (2) each of the four types of impacts has its own positive or negative relationship to front doors opening, and (3) ejection significantly increases the risk of moderate through fatal injuries, and is demonstrated as a serious safety problem.
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